My stepsister tried to steal the prince's hand in marriage, but little did she know I had been

Everyone has secrets, and she didn't believe Xie Jinghan would nitpick over such a trivial matter.

Sure enough, after she said those words, the coldness in Xie Jinghan's eyes dissipated slightly.

However, when Xie Jinghan looked away, he still reminded her, "Princess, you must remember that there are some things I can turn a blind eye to, but there are some things... you absolutely cannot get involved in."

“Of course.” Wen Shuyao nodded. “I always keep my identity in mind. I know very well what I should and shouldn’t do.”

The things she couldn't do were nothing more than major offenses like treason and collusion with the enemy, but all she ever did were trivial matters within the inner quarters.

Wen Shuyao spoke with great confidence.

"Granny Lin?"

Xie Jinghan then focused his attention on the person Wen Shuyao had mentioned.

"Madam Wen's personal nanny."

Wen Shuyao said in a low voice, "My stepmother was no good, and the nanny around her naturally treated me very badly."

"I discovered by chance that Granny Lin's martial arts skills are superb. Madam Wen comes from the Zhang family, which has only risen to prominence in recent years thanks to Consort Zhang. There shouldn't be someone as skilled as Granny Lin in their family, let alone a daughter who is not favored."

"After some thought, I began to suspect Granny Lin."

As for how she discovered the tattoos on Granny Lin's body, Wen Shuyao refused to mention it.

Xie Jinghan could see through Wen Shuyao's attempt to conceal something, but just as Wen Shuyao had guessed, he didn't care about these harmless little secrets and wouldn't delve into them.

He raised his hand, and Si Qing, who was standing beside him, quickly responded.

Si Qing's expression was serious: "I will send someone to investigate immediately."

This is the most important matter right now, and it must be investigated carefully.

If Granny Lin is indeed in cahoots with the assassins, then this matter is worth investigating further.

Granny Lin was Madam Wen's dowry maid, and she came from the Zhang family.

Does this mean that the Zhang family is also involved in this matter?

……

Chen Che has been riding high these days.

He was engaged to Wen Yitong, and there was no possibility of changing it.

Wen Yitong is the most favored daughter of the Duke of Wen's family. With the Duke of Wen's family's support, his career will be smooth sailing.

Although he had a major conflict with Wen Yitong a few days ago, after such a big commotion, no one from the Wen family came to hold him accountable.

This made him even more pleased.

The Wen family tolerated such a big commotion; from now on, he'll have many good days ahead!

He stumbled out of the restaurant, drunk, and headed straight for the house he had bought elsewhere.

Wan Niang was a respectable woman he met at the academy. She was gentle and considerate. Over the years, he and Wan Niang would often meet secretly in this small courtyard.

Today is no exception.

After a tender moment, Wan Niang gently stroked Chen Che's chest while glancing at his expression.

"Young Master," Wan Niang said softly, "you are already engaged and will be married soon. I'm afraid... I won't be able to stay with you for much longer. My unborn child..."

Upon hearing this, Chen Che's previously satisfied expression instantly turned ugly.

He was fine as long as Wen Yitong wasn't mentioned, but the moment she was, he felt uneasy.

"Don't mention her again."

Just then, a panicked shout came from outside the door.

Chen Che looked displeased, but then he heard a knock on the door. Before he could react, the door was kicked open from the outside, and several fierce-looking faces appeared in front of him.

When Madam Chen saw Chen Che, who should have been engrossed in his studies at Bailu Academy, appear here, she was furious.

However, this was her beloved son after all, and no matter how angry she was, she couldn't bear to lay a finger on Chen Che.

Therefore, she focused all her anger on Wan Niang.

"Was it this vixen who seduced you?"

Madam Chen glared at Wan Niang, practically seething with anger.

Several burly female servants followed behind her. At her command, they swarmed over and seized Wan Niang firmly.

"Mother! What are you doing?" Chen Che cried out in alarm, "Wan Niang is pregnant, you mustn't..."

It would have been better if she hadn't said those words; once she did, Madam Chen became even more determined.

With a cold face, she said hatefully, "Tie her up immediately! The bastard in her belly must not be allowed to live!"

The Chen family needs a grandson, but they absolutely do not need an illegitimate eldest son. What will the Duke of Wen think of this? Now, given the Chen family's status and position, they are the ones making demands on the Duke of Wen.

Thinking of this, Madam Chen's attitude became even more resolute.

"Drag him out immediately!"

"No!"

Chen Che immediately stood in front of Wan Niang.

"Che'er, now is not the time to act impulsively."

Madam Chen pushed Chen Che away directly. In the Chen family, she always had the final say.

Thus, Chen Che could only watch helplessly as Wan Niang was dragged out by several maids.

His anger surged, and he gritted his teeth, saying, "The Duke of Wen's mansion has some tricks up its sleeve! They're actually using you to get rid of Wan Niang!"

After a moment of silence, Madam Chen said helplessly, "The Duke of Wen's mansion is a prominent family, while our Chen family is a humble one. It is already quite an achievement for us to have secured this marriage. How could you hurt the Second Miss's feelings because of your impulsive actions?"

Chen Che merely sneered, "The Duke of Wen's mansion is only superficially impressive; it's nothing to fear. Wait until I pass the imperial examination..."